In Episode 74 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Tracy and Shelley are joined by Courtney Woolbright, who is the Venue and Events Director for Matthew’s Hope and Trinity Oaks. Trinity Oaks of Matthew’s Hope is a beautiful event venue on the Brevard campus of Matthew’s Hope that offers unparalleled amenities while providing opportunities for the guests of Matthew’s hope while raising funds for the ministry. People Magazine recently featured the inspiring story of a community that pulled together to provide an unforgettable wedding for a bride suffering from a rare autoimmune disease. Hear every detail of how more than 20 vendors came together at Trinity Oaks to make this dream come true. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #florida

In Episode 73 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley answer a number of frequently asked questions that they often hear about the guests they serve. Aren’t they all drug addicts? Aren’t they dangerous? Aren’t they all just lazy? Aren’t they all crazy? These are just a few of the questions they often hear from people that are uninformed or misinformed about those experiencing homelessness. This episode is your chance to learn the answers to these questions and many more. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #unhoused #ministry #florida #homelesscrisis Timestamps: 00:00-1:14 – Trailer 1:15-1:47 – Introduction 1:48-3:58 – Are the homeless guests of Matthew’s Hope dangerous? 3:59-7:06 – Are most people that are experiencing homelessness drug addicts or alcoholics? 7:07-9:31 – Highly educated homeless guests of Matthew’s Hope 9:32-10:47 – Imagine one day having a job and home and the next day you have no paycheck and quickly find yourself homeless 10:48-13:41 – What other events or situations lead people to become homeless? 13:42-14:22 – Are all of the homeless guests that Matthew’s Hope serves crazy? 14:23- 16:69 – Why does Matthew’s Hope offer such a huge array of services? 17:00-18:35 – Are all homeless people just lazy and living off of the system? 18:36-19:37 – Why do so many people choose to be homeless? 19:38-21:46 – Repercussions of the overprescribing of opioids 21:47-24:02 – Are there still people that are not aware of the homeless crisis in our communities? 24:03-END – Any other FAQs? And closing thoughts

In Episode 72 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley share some of the most frequently asked questions they receive about Matthew’s Hope. What exactly is Matthew’s Hope? Is Matthew’s Hope s shelter? Is it dangerous to work at Matthew’s Hope interacting with so many people experiencing homelessness? How is Matthew’s Hope funded? Learn the answers to those questions and many more in this episode. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties in order to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #FAQs #shelter #mentalhealth #ministry #podcast Timestamps: 00:00-1:17 – Trailer 1:18-1:49 – Introductions 1:50-2:08 – What is Matthew’s Hope? 2:09-2:39 – Do guests of Matthew’s Hope receive breakfast, lunch and dinner? 2:40-3:16 – How many days a week are you serving guests? 3:17-5:06 – Are there ways that the community can help feed your guests? 5:07-8:52 – What role do volunteers play at Matthew’s Hope? 8:53-10:54 – What is the significance of the different colored Matthew’s Hope shirts that are worn on your campuses? 10:55-13:49 – Why isn’t Matthew’s Hope a shelter? 13:50-19:17 – How is Matthew’s Hope funded? 19:18-21:51 – Visit guidestar.org to see all of the information about Matthew’s Hope and their financials 12:52-27:10 – Will Matthew’s Hope ever add a third campus? 27:10-END - Wrap

“You’re likelihood to succeed or fail was based on where you were born, and it just didn’t seem ok.” ~Tim McKinney In Episode 71 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Tracy and Pastor Scott are joined by Tim McKinney, CEO of United Global Outreach. Tim shares details about his efforts to transform the community of Bithlo in East Orange County, Florida after decades of neglect and lawlessness that created a forgotten wasteland of hazardous materials and dangerous living conditions. Learn the 10 elements that are necessary for any community to prosper and what strides have been made towards the rejuvenation of Bithlo. While Tim’s organization serves mostly impoverished people and Matthew’s Hope serves only those experiencing homelessness, there are similarities in the fundamentals that each are based on and the needs of the people they serve. Both are bringing attention and resources to populations that have traditionally not had voices of their own. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #transformationvillage #poverty #eastorangecounty #florida Timestamps: 00:00-1:15 – Trailer 01:15-1:40 – Introductions 01:41-2:42 – What is United Global Outreach and what is its involvement with Transformation Village in Bithlo, Florida 2:42-4:14 – Why did United Global Outreach choose Bithlo, Florida as a location to help? 4:15-7:29 – The history of Bithlo 7:30-9:41 – The challenges facing Bithlo, Florida today 9:42-16:06 – What is Transformation Village? 16:06-20:19 – Common ground & a shared commitment to their missions 20:20-22:10 – Solutions and overcoming challenges including tiny homes 22:11-25.25 – The importance of becoming stakeholders 25:26-31:10 – What role should government play in the work that non-profits are doing? 31:11-35:25 – The importance of being mission based 35:26-42:48 – The people of Bithlo and how they have been impacted by new laws 42:49-46:49 – All of this is a bridge, not an answer 46:50-5:13 – Wrapping up and promising more to come in the future

“They’re people, not pigeons.” In Episode 70 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley react to a viewer’s comment from a previous episode as well as current news regarding the dehumanization of those experiencing homelessness. Hear their reaction to a recent news story out of Salt Lake City pertaining to the mutilation of a deceased person’s body by a group of police officers. What a population is seen as less than human it becomes easier to treat them as such. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties in order to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #police #dehumanization #unhoused TIMESTAMPS: 00:00-1:25 - Trailer 01:30-1:55 - Introduction 1:56- 5:15 - Viewer’s comment from a previous episode about the dehumanization of those experiencing homelessness 5:20-6:56 - Why aren’t public libraries public for everyone and why are public bathrooms locked? 8:27-9:18 - Cruel Facebook comment suggesting that homeless individuals be euthanized. 9:50-11:50 - Reasons a homeless individual may utilize a public library 11:55-14:20 - What some people are comfortable treating the unhoused more like pigeons than people. 14:25-21:00 - Scott and Shelley react to the recent news story of Salt Lake City police officers hazing a rookie by having him mutilate the dead body of a homeless individual. 21:20-24:30 - Combatting the stigmas facing those experiencing homelessness in our communities.

In Episode 69 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley share the details of an exciting new program which will allow them to provide safe and comfortable overnight shelter to those in our communities with the most need. Through strategic partnerships, they are converting several tour buses into sleeper buses, resembling an Amtrak train sleeper car. Find out how this is being made possible, what the logistics will be and how there is already interest in expanding this project before the first bus is even on the road. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #orlando #florida #floridahomeless #unhoused

“People shun people without even knowing their story.” ~ Dr. Findlay In Episode 68 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott is joined by Dr. Tammy Findlay who is the Mental Health Counselor for the Brevard Campus of Matthew’s Hope. Dr. Findlay shares insights about the relationship between mental health and homelessness. She addresses some of the stereotypes and stigmas that are often associated with both. Why do we view and address mental health issues so differently than other health issues? Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #mentalheath #health #mentalillness TIMESTAMPS 00:00-1:05 - Trailer 1:07-4:26 - Introduction and Dr. Findlay’s background 4:27-8:15 - How Dr. Findlay started working with Matthew’s Hope 8:26-11:20 - What are there stigmas about getting treatment for mental health issues when the same doesn’t apply when you seek treatment for other health issues? 11:21-13:22 - How prevalent are mental health issues among those experiencing homelessness? 13:22-14:40 - What are the most common types of mental health issues among those experiencing homelessness? 14:41-16:21 - Can being homeless make existing mental health issues worse? 16:22-19:30 - The extraordinary amount of trauma being dealt with by those experiencing homelessness 19:31-20:35 - Reaction to a social media post about a homeless individual in a wheelchair not being welcome in a public park 20:36-21:35 - We believe whichever channel we watch and listen to instead of thinking critically 21:36-24:38 - How many others are out there that could completely turn their life around if they just had access to the resources and care they require? 24:39-28:00 - How did Donnie react when he was told her was becoming an employee of Matthew’s Hope after suffering with untreated bi-polar for years 26:01—27:40 You have to be comfortable with the person counseling you and there could be any number of reasons you are not so you have to provide options 28:01-31:00 - How can we expect law enforcement officers to know how to deal with those experiencing mental health issues with the same skill as someone with the education and experience that actual counselors have? 31:00-31:39 - It is time to address causes instead of symptoms

“The church… has turned into something I simply do not understand.” ~Pastor Scott In Episode 67 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley discuss the role that churches play, or don’t play, in helping those in our communities experiencing homelessness. Many may assume that churches would be first in line to raise money, volunteer spaces or donate services to organizations like Matthew’s Hope, but they would be incorrect. There are exceptions of course, but you may be surprised to hear how most churches respond when they are approached to help in times of need. Are modern-day churches really aligned with the teachings they profess to follow? How did we get here? What could/should be done? Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #church #religion #christianity #jesus #wwjd TIMESTAMPS 00:00-01:18 - Trailer 01:29-01:48 - Intros 01:49-3:58 - What does the Bible say about homelessness? 04:00-5:00 - Often churches operate like gangs 05:01-08:31 - What role do churches play in helping those experiencing homelessness? 08:32-15:15 - Where does helping organizations that serve the homeless rank on the priority list of my churches? 15:16-17:50 - Pick a mission and be committed to it 17:51-25:25- Why are those experiencing homelessness so often stigmatized? 25:26-30:25 - What would you like to see change in the relationship between churches and organizations that serve our homeless population? 30:26-33:50 - Aren’t taxes and tithes already enough to cover the needed support of organizations like Matthew’s Hope? 33:51-38:39 - Giving direct is the most effective way to support the causes you are passionate about.

“We have all kinds of collateral damage.” In Episode 66 of Straight Talk, No B.S. with Matthew’s Hope, presented by Imagine Marketing, Pastor Scott and Shelley share their reactions to the recent Federal Funding Freeze announced by the White House and how it impacts their ability to continue serving the unhoused in our communities. The abrupt halt on federal grants and loans created widespread confusion across the government, Congress, state programs and non-profit organizations that rely on that funding. Since the announcement, several judges have granted temporary restraining orders to block President Trump’s freeze and at the time of this taping the exact future of the order is unclear. Each week, Pastor Scott, Shelley and guests share their experiences from operating a homeless outreach in Florida's Orange and Brevard Counties to raise awareness and tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the homeless crisis in America today. To learn more or to donate, visit: https://www.matthewshopeministries.org/ #homeless #homelessness #ministry #dignity #orangecounty #brevardcounty #crisis #homelessawareness #federalfunding #fundingfreeze #project2025 #federalfundingfreeze